A Cornerstone for Mod’Art International

Paris breathes Fashion in its elegance, innovation, and haute couture. With its streets whispering inspiration, beauty and art, for over 300 years, Paris has become an iconic global capital of fashion. At a time when fashion in France oozes art and science but is not very accessible, MODART Sri Lanka has given its beholders the immense opportunity to witness and enter this magical world of authentic French fashion.

Who stands behind this generosity?

Mrs. Roshani Leanage, the Chairperson of International Academy of Fashion (IAF) and Mod’Art International, Sri Lanka, began her career in the fashion and textiles sector in 1980 as a business partner of R.N. Garments and later became an entrepreneur producing clothing for retail and export. Being a pioneering personality in the local fashion industry and an empowered symbol of fashion in France, Roshani built Mod’Art International, Sri Lanka to be a home that invites thousands of students across the nation to grasp the intricacies of diversity, explore multifaceted nature of fashion and choose the right path to align with aspirations. She made sure that at the heart of the philosophy of this ever-standing academy, is a commitment to nurturing innovation, originality, and excellence.

Along with her daughter, Ms. Niroshani Leanage, the Managing Director of IAF and Mod’Art International Sri Lanka, Roshani inspired students to push boundaries and find their voice in design through intellectual, technical and critical demands of any chosen discipline.

Niroshani on the other hand also made the bold decision to establish IAF in 2000 with the goal of producing globally recognized fashion entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka when the nation lacked official fashion education institutions. Her bravery didn’t stop there. She initiated the International Graduate Fashion Spectacle (IGFS), where Sri Lankan fashion students, in partnership with international fashion graduates are given the opportunity to display their collection to a bigger audience.

In appreciation of her role as a pioneer fashion not only in the industry, but also in the country, the Sri Lankan Government, through the Sri Lanka Army “Seva Vanitha” unit, conferred an award to Niroshani in 2013. In 2020, she became a Member of the Sri Lanka France Business Council (SLFBC) as well.

Their commitment to fashion resulted in them being recognized as Knights of the Order of ‘Arts and Letters’ by the French Government. In a ceremony held at the French Residence on January 24, 2022, H.E. Mr. Eric Lavertu, the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, presented Roshani Leanage and Niroshani Leanage with the insignia of Knight of the Orders of Arts and Letters in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the cause of bilateral relations between France and Sri Lanka.

Speaking of great accomplishments, IAF (International Academy of Fashion), along with Mod’Art Paris recently marked 25 years and Mod’Art Sri Lanka 10 years since their establishment as a French affiliated school of fashion design and footwear art. The academy organized special events and programs under the theme, “25 ANS d’Excellence“, showcasing both student talents and industry connections. Graduates and current students shared their gratitude and experiences along with a strong emphasis on the legacy and future of Mod’Art International.

Beyond the anniversary, Mod’Art International continues to emphasize excellence, regularly hosting graduation ceremonies and fashion exhibitions that align with their French inspired curriculum.

This anniversary wasn’t just a milestone it was a moment that spotlighted their legacy in nurturing fashion and shaping students’ talents to fit an international audience.